Modern homes stair railing grill designs ideas.

Indoor stairs railing grill ideas.

Modern homes beautiful single storey designs ideas.

modern homes beautiful single storey designs ideas.

Look Up

As I write, my house is surrounded by tarps, tall ladders, and a team of roofing contractors. Our house is finally being shed of its old and outdated red and green asphalt roof.

My view out the window

 What once looked like this

Is beginning to look more like this

I never thought I'd be this excited about a roof.
But I am.
I hope to have pictures of the completed roof by next week :)

Update: Click here to see the finished roof! 

Modern dream house exterior designs ideas.

Modern dream house exterior designs ideas.

Modern house window designs ideas..

Modern house window designs.

Modern house interior decorating ideas.

Modern house interior decorating ideas.

Tone on Tone

I paid a visit to my local Benjamin Moore store recently to pick out trim and a front door color. I happened to be in the right place at the right time--as a BM Color Expert was on site. She made her recommendations (more on that in future posts), but also made a suggestion I'd never considered: painting the shutters the same color as the house. 

I was intrigued, so did a little digging to find some examples. 

House Beautiful

Katy Elliot

BHG.com

Things That Inspire

Architect Design

Houzz

Houzz

Miles Redd's townhouse. Photo: Martyn Thompson

House Beautiful

Painting the shutters the same color as the house will provide texture and interest, especially when hung correctly (read an interesting article here).  The effect is subtle and could be perfect on our house which already has a lot going on. Then again, we don't need to use the shutters at all...

Curious to hear your thoughts. What do you think of tone-on-tone house and shutter paint colors? 

Modern homes designs exterior views Cyprus.

Modern homes designs exterior views Cyprus.

Modern villas designs ideas.

Modern villas designs ideas.

Shopping Daze

While Chris was installing new windows in our garage last Saturday, I spent the morning scouting hardware for the front door. The hardware we have now is horribly mismatched and in bad shape despite my attempts to polish it.

I found just about everything I was looking for at Adler's Design Center & Hardware in Providence, RI.  Adler's is a family owned business that offers a more decorative selection than the usual big box stores (including trade-only wallpaper and fabrics).

I walked in there looking for oil rubbed bronze, but fell in love with this Emtek handle set in a silver patina finish. It looks like silver leaf.

Love these glass knobs.

 Some possible mailbox slot replacements

I rented shutter hardware so that we can choose a shutter dog style.

 On my way home, I passed through a neighborhood with a bunch of restaurants and shops called Wayland Square. I had to stop and look when I saw all the people milling around and lots of goods out on the sidewalk.

One of my favorite shops, Comina, had these gorgeous pagoda lamps by Worlds Away. The best part is that they can be customized in any Benjamin Moore color. I'll be saving up for two of these to put in my living room. 

Whoa! Bins of John Robshaw and Matouk linens were 50% off at Wendy Brown Fine Linens.

I couldn't resist taking home some Matouk pillow cases and a boudoir pillow.

Now, that's what I call a successful shopping trip.